The Shelter Garden, located on the Campus of the Gettysburg Gateway Shelter for Men, covers roughly an acre of fenced off irrigated land. The purpose of this garden is twofold: first to provide a recreational and uplifting outlet for current shelter guests and secondly to produce a generous harvest of vegetables and fruits. This harvest is meant for the consumption of shelter guests, volunteers, and staff. The produce is processed by the Shelters’ Central Kitchen and integrated with Shelter meals. All guest involvement is volunteered - we do not reimburse or incentivize volunteer labor nor is the produce saleable. Engagement is recreational and educational, managed by the Garden Coordinator.

The Shelter Garden Coordinator is responsible for producing and implementing a seasonal garden plan. In addition to this plan, a public Shelter Garden Schedule clearly outlines the necessary processes: organize meetings, specific projects, events, and workdays, facilitate and prepare guest and volunteer engagement, and order and receive necessary supplies. Updates on the progress of the shelter garden plan are submitted to the Director of Shelter Ministries. The Garden Coordinator ensures the safe participation and cooperation of all guests, volunteers, and staff. Specific duties are necessarily offered and delegated to garden volunteers/participants.

Duties:

• Cooperate with Shelter Directors and Managers
• Coordinate volunteer and staff engagement.
• Communicate regularly with volunteers and staff.
• Plan and cultivate the summer and fall garden.
• Lead meetings to generate, adjust, and communicate garden plans and events.
• Organize and post an updated Shelter Garden Schedule.
• Order needed supplies and plants.
• Ensure the growth of the project and facilities.
• Welcome the interest of others.
• Promote sustainable gardening practices.
• Maintain a project log and record progress/lessons learned.

Skills and Expectations:

• Eagerness to directly interact and engage with shelter guests.
• Willingness to listen and learn from others’ experiences.
• Demonstrate empathy, compassion, and positivity.
• Ability to interact in a professional, courteous, and confidential manner and to function as an ambassador of St. Vincent de Paul’s Mission.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; and to listen and solve problems collaboratively and proactively.
• Detailed and adaptable organization skills
• Strong familiarity with Montgomery County’s communities and resources.
• Prior experience leading large projects and working with volunteers.
• Horticultural knowledge and experience
• Weekend availability
• Proficient use of smart phones, office software, email, and other technology.